Adam stood at the entrance of the Valley of Wisdom, his eyes drowning in childhood memories, where Zous had always been by his side, sharing laughter, training, and both small and grand dreams. Zous was not merely a friend; he was a partner in every challenge, every thought, every moment of passion for strength and compassion together. Every stone in the valley, every rock, bore witness to their days together, to their first steps in a merciless world.
Then came the day that no one could foresee. A tear of pain and grief spilled into Adam's heart as he remembered how Zous had been mercilessly killed before his eyes by Morth, the man who had now become his greatest adversary. Zous was not weak in the true sense, but he lacked the power that Morth considered the law of survival.
Morth stood in the center of the valley, his presence filling the space. His eyes fixed on Adam without a twitch, radiating authority and danger. Every movement, every tilt of his head, was a declaration of a strict philosophy: the world does not spare the weak, and only the strong determine the fate of all.
Morth began to speak, his voice calm yet charged with power:
"Zous was an example of weakness. The world grants no place except to the strong. Mercy for the weak is an illusion."
Adam did not reply, but internally his thoughts overflowed with anger and philosophy: strength alone was not enough, cruelty alone did not create judgment, and Zous was more than just weak—he was human, and he deserved more than to be killed simply because Morth believed the world would not show mercy.
Morth stepped forward, his voice cutting through the air:
"The weak hinder the course of the world. Those who do not understand cruelty do not understand life, and those who do not understand life cannot impose their will on others. Zous was a lesson, and you must understand that life gives no second chances."
Adam felt a burning ache in his chest, yet he maintained his outward calm. Every thought inside him was like a sword, every feeling a raw wound. Strength alone was insufficient; cruelty alone was not judgment, and mercy was not weakness if wielded by one who understood how to use it.
Finally, Adam spoke, his voice calm yet sharp:
"Strength without awareness makes a ruler a beast. Cruelty alone turns the strong into threats to themselves before anyone else. Zous was more than weak—he was a friend, and he deserved more than to become a lesson in your silence."
Morth smiled faintly, reflecting his absolute confidence:
"Mercy? A journey for the weak. The weak believe it is a virtue, but in the end, the weak are a burden, and only the strong determine the course of the world. There is no place for mercy unless it is backed by strength."
Adam balanced himself, every movement and glance defining his stance. Every thought challenged Morth's philosophy, and every philosophy demanded strength to enforce it on reality.
The fog grew heavier, the air thick with power, philosophy, and rage, and the sky began to darken in shades of sunset. The chapter ended at this moment, with Adam and Morth standing ready for combat, each carrying his strength and philosophy, and the true confrontation on the verge of erupting.